Internet hunting coming to Texas
Don't let anyone convince you that the Blue States have a monopoly on technologcal innovation. Case in point: a
rancher in Texas says he's going to start offering an Internet hunting service where visitors to his website can bag a
deer, antelope, and wild pigs using a remote controlled .22 caliber rifle with a webcam mounted on it (the gun is
already available for target practice right now, he's just waiting for a faster Internet connection that'll make the
gun easier to aim). But don't worry. Smokey, aka Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife director Mike Berger, is
already trying to figure out how to shut this down, and has proposed a new rule that'll require anyone hunting animals
to actually be physically present at the site where they're shooting.
[Via BoingBoing]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Brandon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
OMG, its like a REAL LIFE video game, right? This could be so useful with other apps, imagine the possibilities.
Chase @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
That has got to be the dumbest idea I have ever heard.
itan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
isnt a 22 a little small to take down a deer unless you pointing it realy close (10 feet or less) directly at the deers skull
oh by the way the deer that people hunt is the white tail deer which isnt native to north america. also hunting is needed to keep the population down on the deer so that is dosent force other animals to starve, or having the deer them selves starve
Brandon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
and so I dont hit one at 1 in the morning ever again. grrrrrrrr
Blademonkey @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Pretty soon, you'll have a game called "Shoot that insurgent!".
It's funny how these Texans make all the wrong decisions (remote hunting, stupid invasions, tax cuts for those who dont need them). Someone needs to take a look into their academic system.
Rob @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Won't it be more interesting when they create the city version of this?
Brian Behrend @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Blade, stay on topic or get a clue. Bush went to school at Harvard and Yale, not in Texas. So even if you want to make a off topic comment, you're wrong. Plus, the head of the TEXAS Parks and Wildlife is trying to shut this down.
On topic... This is pretty ridiculous. First off, how is it any freaking fun? Either hunt in person or in an actual video game, I'm sure that would provide a more entertaing experience.
As for the morality of hunting, obviously this remote hunting idea is completely screwy. But I generally don't have an issue with hunting for food. My family hunts, but I don't. That's mainly a laziness and hating the cold decision rather than a moral one. I do have issues with people who hunt purely for sport. Those that don't use the animal for food and those who hunt more exotic animals.
Johnny Fusion @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
"visitors to his website can bag a deer, antelope, and wild pigs using a remote controlled .22 caliber rifle with a webcam mounted on it "
Not with a .22 you won't. Maybe squirrells or rabbits, but no game of reasonable size. But "hunting" sounds better than "varminting" I guess.
As fun as this sounds, I do not think it to be practical, even with a hunting rifle instead of a .22. My biggest concern is the inablilty to follow and kill a wounded animal. I doubt web-hunters -- especially non-shooters will get a kill shot everytime.
But I think target shooting or skeet would be very cool. Hunting this way is just a bad idea.
I also noticed no mention on who cleans the animal, and who gets the meat and other parts.
Gabe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
They're offering *target practice* with the .22, I'm sure they'll replace it with a .223 or larger centerfire rifle when and if they offer actual game hunting.
Brian Pipa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
What happens if a person is taking a shortcut through the woods that day and someone shoots him over the internet? THAT would be an interesting trial.
Brucifer @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
I hear the city version allows you to hold up a bank from the comfort of your barcalounger. Presumably they deposit the loot via PayPal.
Ryan Kime @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Good point Brian, I would be concerned about the rancher going to bag the deer and someone accidentally/maliciously shoots him.
This kind of reminds me of Bruce Willis in The Jackal with the remote sniper rifle.
Craig @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Thats awesome..
So when he forgets and walks into his back yard with out shutting it off he can get shot....
Killing some one over the internet.. Whats next...
Joey @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
This is just the kind of thing that Republicans would come up with.
And whoever said that hunting is neccesary is just fundamentally wrong. What about in nature where there are no naturally occuring hunters with guns keeping the animal population in line. You would think that these places would just be completely out of control with nature in control of the population
Phil @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
How come when there's a mainstream media report about something I already use and don't necessarily want the world to know about (ie. bittorrent, black friday deal sites etc.) they give a direct link in the story, but when they're talking about shooting a remote control gun for target practice over the internet they don't give a link? I'd like to shoot a gun over the internet...not for hunting though, just for the heck of it.
John Mucci @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
While I think this is truly the stupidest thing I too have ever seen, to echo an earlier comment, I am reminded of Queen Elizabeth I, who in 1588 or so was taken "hunting" , meaning that she was put sidesaddle onto a horse, given a weapon, and when her lackeys paraded a roebuck in front of her, (suitably harnessed and being led as with a leash) she had the ultimate pleasure of shooting at it and watching it fall.
I only can think -- who takes that kind of pleasure? It's like pulling wings off flies. To kill creatures for the sake of thrill is inherently wrong. Ask Jeffrey Dahmer.
Doug Fresh @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Get a bow and hunt like a real man or woman- Only in texas ? right?
Dogaholic @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Oh please... doesn't ANYONE feel their leg being pulled, even just a little bit?? This smacks so much of the "hunting nude bimbettes" scam perpetrated earlier this year. How many "journalists" fell for that one??
Same thing, different animal.
The Big Lebowski @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Here are 4 reasons why this is already illeagal.
1. Upon killing a deer in Texas, you must tag the deer, if you are not present, this can not be done.
2. You must be present at the time of hunting so that a game warden is able to check
3. For any animal to be transported, a wildlife resourse document must be completed and signed by the person who harvested the animal.
4. This would be considered hunting for hire.
This should really be the end of the conversation. If you would like to argue that hunting should be illeagal, you are just uninformed. Hunting is one of the only and certainly the best management tools for population. If you do not like hunting, then dont hunt. I would not try to take away your right to be a whiny ball bag.
Draven @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Ok , as a hunter this is just plain stupid . Hunting is supposed to be getting up at the break of dawn , hot pot of coffee , getting in your car / truck , and hitting the road . not getting online and logging into a site .. plus beside that have you seen what this guy charges to be a member , if you are scared to fire a gun , then you shouldnt Hunt in the first place . Im sure this John guy had best intentions in mind but if he sat back and gave it a lil more thought , he'd know that this is a lil crazy , with all the video games ect , out there this is just my opinion thanks
Pattie @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
I mean really...what is the world coming to. Anything to make a buck (no pun intended).
I am disgusted.
Bill @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
The idea of remote control hunting is so insane as to be unthinkable. As an avid hunter myself this is so unsporting. Any true sportsman would shudder at the idea.
Maybe the target practice would be interesting. I tend to agree also that this has may have uses in a more urban enviornment.
Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Ok, All of you are jumping to conclusions and almost completely wrong. The article is not entirely accurate.
1. He does have a camera mounted .22 setup for target practice, but not for hunting. This .22 will probably stay for target practice, but will not be used for hunting.
2. Hunters will most likely not be able to hunt whitetail. The rancher is going to release foreign deer like antelope and different species of deer that you do not have to have a license for, nor are they regulated. I don't think. Hogs you can bag anytime of the year and as many as you want. And is quite the nuisance to any farmer or rancher because they root around everywhere and destroy fields, plants and scare off most other animals.
3. He may be a Texan like myself, but I'm sure he is smart enough to have safetys to shut down the guns when a person is present.
4. He lives way out in the country and most likely doesn't have close neighbors so there would only be the EXTREME IDIOT that would cross his no trespassing signs onto his property. And of course his neighbors would know there are turret-mounted guns on his property so they wouldn't come into the woods or fields. Which also reminds me, if he is going to keep the deer on his property he most likely has a fence 8-12 feet tall. If someone does climb an 8-foot fence plastered with no trespassing signs I think they have it coming.
5. The people may shoot the animals for sport, but he has it set up so non of the meat goes to waste, they will either clean the deer and ship it to you or clean it and give it to a shelter to feed people in need. The head you can get mounted or thrown away, its not like it has any meat in it anyways.
6. This is a great idea for disabled people who can't go hunting, but enjoy the taste of deer (which I might add is delicious, bagged a nice 8 point 2 weeks ago).
7. I'm also sure he is smart enough to add in a security feature to prevent underage kids from getting on and taking pot shots. I might add though it is legal for any child to hunt when accompanied by an adult. Many of my family take their first deer at age 6.
8. And is not like its going to be free so not just anyone can get on and start shooting.
Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Ok, All of you are jumping to conclusions and almost completely wrong. The article is not entirely accurate.
1. He does have a camera mounted .22 setup for target practice, but not for hunting. This .22 will probably stay for target practice, but will not be used for hunting.
2. Hunters will most likely not be able to hunt whitetail. The rancher is going to release foreign deer like antelope and different species of deer that you do not have to have a license for, nor are they regulated. I don't think. Hogs you can bag anytime of the year and as many as you want. And is quite the nuisance to any farmer or rancher because they root around everywhere and destroy fields, plants and scare off most other animals.
3. He may be a Texan like myself, but I'm sure he is smart enough to have safetys to shut down the guns when a person is present.
4. He lives way out in the country and most likely doesn't have close neighbors so there would only be the EXTREME IDIOT that would cross his no trespassing signs onto his property. And of course his neighbors would know there are turret-mounted guns on his property so they wouldn't come into the woods or fields. Which also reminds me, if he is going to keep the deer on his property he most likely has a fence 8-12 feet tall. If someone does climb an 8-foot fence plastered with no trespassing signs I think they have it coming.
5. The people may shoot the animals for sport, but he has it set up so non of the meat goes to waste, they will either clean the deer and ship it to you or clean it and give it to a shelter to feed people in need. The head you can get mounted or thrown away, its not like it has any meat in it anyways.
6. This is a great idea for disabled people who can't go hunting, but enjoy the taste of deer (which I might add is delicious, bagged a nice 8 point 2 weeks ago).
7. I'm also sure he is smart enough to add in a security feature to prevent underage kids from getting on and taking pot shots. I might add though it is legal for any child to hunt when accompanied by an adult. Many of my family take their first deer at age 6.
8. And is not like its going to be free so not just anyone can get on and start shooting.
SickPuppy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
WTF?? That is just wrong in so many ways...
I think hunting with a gun is at least usually preferable to hunting with a pack of dogs, but I still don't agree with it.
I will be so happy when a more intelligent species comes and starts hunting us for fun. See how you F***ING like it!
Apart form that what's to stop kids getting on there and starting their blood lust? Doesn't America have enough problems with guns and murders as it is to start doing it remotely?
Keith @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Texas hunting rules require that a whitetail (yes they are native to north america) or mule deer taken by a cartridge firing rifle (as opposed to a black powder rifle) be a center fire cartridge not a rim fire cartridge. A regular 22 caliber gun is a rim fire gun. So if this guy uses a rim fire 22 he would be breaking the law already.
Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
Hunting another animal with a gun in the name of sport is just plain stupidity. Let's face it people. This has nothing to do about a hunter's survival. Does it? This is not about life and death for you the hunter who fools himself or herself in a cloak of self impowerment by killing a defenseless animal. No, you just happened to fire on a creature who never knew you were there in the first place and if they did they never stood a chance in hell of ever out running the velocity of bullet. And there you are crouching, standing far enough way hiding in the brush looking through your cross hairs, your adrenaline pumping and in the far reaches in the back of your reptilian brain a little voice is saying, "if I wasn't too F*#&ing lazy I'd trek that creature with either a bowie knife or a cross bow. Which means had you opted for this course of action, you'd have to truly work for something. At least then you could try to make the argument to some degree or another of "getting back to nature", "being in touch with God", "living like your great ancestors did when they had search for food" or whatever. But, once again your left with the paradox of saying this to yourself, "hell, if I can't get myself a kill today I'll just have to head over to MacDonalds". Which means even the living in the spiriit of the hunters and gatherers of your past is still a stretch, because in America there's enough food to feed the world ten times over. No, the only way you can justify hunting, killing, skinning and mounting your prey on the wall is when you turn it into a "real" sport. You and your weekend warriors from town or new found friends from the internet decide that you're going to do away from your sissy game of paintball and hunt one other with live rounds. Fatal rounds. Don on your full camoflouge, pack water and food from your cabin pantry to last you for a few days and then head out into the wilderness. Give each other a few hours to disperse and...go hunting for one another. This is when you'll have a true purpose. Saving your own a@#. This is called your survival. This is what hunting is really about. It' no longer deemed a sport. It's no longer fun. The tables are turned my friend. The tables are turned on you. You've just stepped into an alternate universe, a nightmare where the adrenaline is real. Anything your ever valued most importantly in your life could vanish in the blink of an eye. Now, you have a whole different perspective. This when you know that your life is too damn precious to lose based on your own experience of being on the other end of this thing you once called a sport. Happy hunting.
Howard @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM
The idea of setting up a gun range which would allow users to shoot at targets remotely via the Internet actually would be cool. (And I am not a gun freak.) But attempting to sell this on the basis that you get to shoot live animals is pushing it. Never mind the morality of it -- I just don't see that this would be doable...how often would there be an animal within range for you to aim and shoot at remotely via the Net?
But something set up like a midway shooting arcade -- with various paper targets set up, bottles, etc. Now that I could see working and possibly going over better on the Internet.
Hans Bulder @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Hello people, I am a hunter and wildlife painter from the Netherlands. I heard this story a few month ago about this internet hunting. My furst thought was, this idiot idea will kill the usual way of hunting. We Dutch hunters already get the blaim from the anti hunting organization that hunters are nuts and they use things like this to atac us.
I hope that this will never start!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
This is a great idea for disabled people who can't go hunting. Me being a hunter that would be great for poeple like my father in law who is disabled and can't hunt. How on the sportmanship of it where the difrentecne then using a guild to get your kicks. As long as the meat doesn't go to waste have fun and shoot a big buck for me. Oh and by the way as a side note if you tresspass on to my land your as good as dead. I will shoot you myself and you dont have to worry about and gun contacted to the internet.
ChavKing @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
they are going to use a .22 so the "game" does not die so that other "gamers" can have a go at shooting it! if they used a shotgun they would have to re-stock the grounds all the time. with the .22 the stock will last longer and save them money. great business idea, but, sick as f*#k!!! they should make a city version in liverpool and you go around shooting chavs!!!
cc @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
What a stupid, idiotic idea. The state of Texas and Humane Law will shoot down your stupid idea.
DAN LAFEVER @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
ISN'T TEXAS AMERICA? DOES HE OWN THIS LAND? IF SO HE CAN DO WHAT HE DAMN WELL PLEASES! NO ONE IS GOING TO TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO ON MY LAND.(LEAGALLY) HUNTING IS NOT A CRIME, AT LEAST UNTIL THE AUTHORITIES MAKE IT ONE. LOOK AT ALL THE PEOPLE WHOM CANT HUNT WILL BE ABLE TO. MORAL OR IMORAL WE DONT NEED MORE LAWS. GIVE HIM A METAL FOR BEING INTOVATIVE.
Robert G. Erhart @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Golly, I use the Internet, and some of the same technology to give my Dog a Dog Treat, not kill him. Try it. www.boberhart.com Click the Give Denver a Dog Treat link.
Robert G. Erhart @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Golly, I use the Internet, and some of the same technology to give my Dog a Dog Treat, not kill him. Try it. www.boberhart.com Click the Give Denver a Dog Treat link.
Kristi @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I think its a good idea "ONLY" for disabled hunters... but for the lazy idiots out there that have no balls to do the real deed... GET A LIFE BUTTHOLE!
nic @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
as a european, i am not irritated that after the death-penalty and g.w.bush another perverted invention is coming up soon from texas. (former texan-patriot and serious-hunter).
Eric @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Hunting should be done in person, not behind a desk. This is a very scary thought. This is not my idea of using technology wisely. Think of what it can lead to...........Next the ATF will try to take my mouse away.
Spanners @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
You lot are a can shy of a sixpack. Why don't you build a wall around America and lock yourselves in and save the rest of the world from worrying about what or who you are going to kill next and how.
We kill cows, because we want to eat, and let's face it who doesn't like a nice tender steak? I personally also shoot cows in the chin for fun. But for the real big game, I'd have to joing the American army eh?
I hunt Gaminzers when i am not eating my own arse. How do you treat a Jimmy Saville breville towel?
Tim @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Good Grief, There is not a single one of us that would be here if hunting never took place during the history of the human race. It amazes me how you think it is so different to pay someone else to do your killing for you at the supermarkets vs hunting. Now whether hunting on the internet is a sound practice is yet to be seen. I certainly would not put my money into it.But do not condemn a time proven action such as hunting, as being the problem is ludicrous. We live in a food chain whether you like it or not.
And it is obvious that you guys do not know what you are talking about when it comes to guns. A .22 includes the powerful cartidges such as the .223 or larger. All which are legal to shoot deer with.
Lastly, it is ridiculous to warrant it is OK to kill for food but not for sport. Killing is killing. You are a predator. Whether it be hunting or pushing someone aside at Wal-Mart for the last item on sale. To kill and create wanton waste is a matter that state wildlife departments regulate. If you really disagree with me so much then stop eating meat, quit wearing leather and any other animal by-products.
the angry vegetarian from houston @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
you stupid ball-less jackass. and you wonder why everyone else stereotypes us texans as gun-crazy freaks. if you're going to go out and kill an animal, at least give it a fair chance at tearing you in half as well. geez. and the unfairness and violence set aside, this is just a rediculously retarded idea anyway.
IbisBreezer @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I want to know why nobody has put a setup like this along the border with Mexico.
Just a thought.
Jerome @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
What a clever idea! Stage one, digitally record the deer crossing through the crosshairs for some lucky "hunter." Exit one deer. Now all the follow up "hunters" may view the same deer (each could be digitally altered for variety) crossing their path, take their digital shot and successfully conclude their armchair hunt! Pay their fees and collect their venison which is probably from some local road kill. What a sweet moneymaker!
chelle @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
ok. this is just dumb. everyone in america is soooo lazy! We are the fattest country in america and now people want to hunt over the internet? I feel lazy right now just staring at my computer, and when I'm done with my homework, I'm going outside. Sure, it's their property, and if the guy who made this thing wants to shoot from his living room instead of going outside, then that's fine. But why must he suck the whole world in to this death trap. when will people learn? new ways of living are one thing, but we can't just forget everything from the past. I have mixed feelings about hunting. If it's really for food, then ok. If it's for sport, well, I just hope people don't do it too often. but what ever happened to life outside of technology? geez. one day something's gonna happen to really shock us all, and only the adaptable will survive. you'll all see. on judgement day, victory will go to those who learn, and don't just change.
barry hutton @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I was watching your show this morning.I was listening to your guest on the internet hunt.I am not a hunter,I am a fisherman. I dont think that we should totally approve of this,maybe keep it too disabled people,those who would like some excitement and cant doit. I do think the representitive from Texas,was afraid they might lose money from this.It wasnt the differece from right or wrong.It was how much money will Texas lose cause of this.That is what I thought was funny ,about your show this morning.Maybe put rules,that you have too be known disabled too do this.The rancher could make a donation too disaled organization.Make it sure that the state of Texas,doesnt get a dime.It is his land and they get enough money.The rancher I think is a pretty smart fellow.I will drink a cup of coffee for him in salute. thankyou
Vince @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Great! Only in USA!
Now if only I could hack into this hunting website, and then turn the gun and blast the owner. I would be real proud of that as one less moron in the gene pool would exist.
Rick @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I didn't read every post, but no one mentioned that this makes hunting into a video game, one where real life is at stake. This puts living creatures on the same level as computer programs! "Kill" an image on the screen in a game and you cause a computer program to execute differently - then "Kill" an image on the screen when internet hunting; they're the same, excep now you've KILLED a LIVING THING. It becomes all the same. It is sick and perverted to have such disregard for life. People who engage in this should be restrained from mixing with normal society until they have undergone some sort of therapy. (Excepting the few really avid hunting types, now disabled and can't hunt any other way for whom this is a substitute.)
General Specific @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Just when you think america is shown in a new low....something else comes along.
I am actually ashamed to see some of the Deliverance gene pool posting ill-founded and frontierist trash posted here.
Matt posted 'turret-mounted guns on his property' showing the paranoia that has existed in this country for years and years.
And the general tone of a given right to shoot just for the hell of it shows the blatant disregard for nature that still makes the world think we are all cowboys.
Lets be brutal, america has no history of it's own, it killed the native race that lived here and stole its heritage...fact
It enslaved another race for it's use.
It pollutes the world more than any other nation in the world and is responsible for more war atrocoties around the world than any other supposed civilised nation.
that is the real history of this 'great' nation.
the sooner you read between those lines, ignore what is drip fed to you by the media and get your 10 gallon heads out of your asses you might realise this isn't your playground and the whole idea of shooting something defenceless and unaware is not only cowardly but also what the f.b.i. think of as a psychotic trait. so hello you psychotic cowards.
Alex @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I really agree to that hack thing. Since the net is so unsecure these days its just a question of time until someone hacks that and shoots everything down in the area.
Anyhow it sounds like a thing from the future. A farm, some animals bred in there, People sitting at home with a cup of coffe taking a whitetail down... Maybe when the radioactivity is so high that we have to do it, then it maybe will be a good idea...?
Alex @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I really agree to that hack thing. Since the net is so unsecure these days its just a question of time until someone hacks that and shoots everything down in the area.
Anyhow it sounds like a thing from the future. A farm, some animals bred in there, People sitting at home with a cup of coffe taking a whitetail down... Maybe when the radioactivity is so high that we have to do it, then it maybe will be a good idea...?